6 Ways to Brighten Your Skin

Skin-brightening products are selling like crazy all across the country. Find out why they're so popular -- and determine which one is right for you

Botanicals work for improved texture and tone There are dozens of plant-derived skin-brightening ingredients out there -- and more will probably be discovered in coming years. Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, $125, contains a blend of yomogi and angelica root extracts -- Japanese botanicals that have been shown to speed up cell turnover and break down melanin. "The serum helps diminish dark spots, age spots, and acne marks, and even out skin tone," says Shiseido scientist Kiyoshi Sato. Clinical data shows results can be seen in as little as two weeks.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a highly effective, non-toxic way to rid skin of brown spots. It should be used more often. I think that the best way to brighten skin is from the inside out--ingest these nutrients as well as putting them on your face! You'll be amazed what a nutrient-tweak to your diet can do!